Education is a top priority for national development, accounting for 22% of the national budget. Primary education is obligatory for children aged 6 to 14, and enrolment in this age group was almost 100 percent in 2001. 

Primary Schools In Turkey

The primary or elementary school in Turkey offers eight years of compulsory education for students aged six to fourteen. The emphasis here is on fundamental information, Turkish language, mathematics, social sciences, art, and music. English and another foreign language are sometimes taught. Both public and private schools operate alongside one another. While the curriculum is basically the same, private schools provide more extracurricular activities, such as swimming, and teach other languages. The typical number of pupils per classroom is 20 – 40, although in rural regions, the number of students per class may be much higher. Students take an exam at the conclusion of eighth grade and are placed in different high schools based on their results. 

High Schools In Turkey

High schools of Turkey typically lasts four years, with some high schools adding an additional year for foreign language preparation courses. Students choose one foreign language from a list that includes English, French, and German. Religious education is optional, and it is usually a comparative study of faiths rather than only Islam. The finest and most popular high schools in the nation are the Anatolian, Science, and Private High Schools in Turkey. Lessons in science are taught in the foreign language of the student’s choosing. Except for private high schools, which may cost up to $4000 per year, education is free. Students must sit for the High Academic Finishing Exam at the conclusion of the school year, following 12th grade. After clearing this, students will be required to take the OSS, a highly significant and fiercely competitive test whose results will decide their educational prospects at the following level. 

Universities In Turkey

Students that pass the exam are admitted to universities. Universities in Turkey provide two to four years of undergrad education and an extra two years of graduate study. Ankara and Istanbul are home to the majority of important universities. Education quality varies considerably – some are on par with American universities. Turkish universities take part in the Socrates-Erasmus program. Please see the Erasmus section for additional information. 

Private Education In Istanbul

As the typical family’s wealth has increased, Turkish parents have become more conscious of the shortcomings of the public school system. Many parents now send their children to private schools in Turkey (kolej/özel lise), which provide small class numbers, highly trained instructors, and even recreational and sports activities. These schools, unsurprisingly, may be costly. They demand annual fees and require pupils to purchase costly literature. Uniforms and meals are further costs, and some parents must pay to transport their children to schools that are distant from their homes. However, there are many advantages to attending a private school. Students may take international standardized tests like the Cambridge University English-language examinations, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). These tools make it simpler for Turkish students to enroll at institutions abroad. 

Aside from schools in Istanbul, bear in mind that you or your children will be taught in a culturally rich region, both human and geographically. Istanbul’s multicultural framework aids pupils in better understanding and communication. In addition, the historically rich city, with attractions like as Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, and other many attractions, are guaranteed to instill culture in your child.